It’s got to be said, there are worse ways to spend a morning than chatting to Diversity.

The dance troupe, from Wickford, won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent, and is set to star in Robin Hood and the Merry Men at the Cliffs Pavilion this December.

And the group, which includes Dancing on Ice’s Ashley Banjo and the Greatest Dancer’s Jordon Banjo, really are Essex’s own version of merry men…

Katy: So, why are you back again guys?

Ashley Banjo: Why not, that’s the question. Why not? I feel like last year [Diversity starred in Aladdin at the Cliffs Pavilion] was so amazing. Not only was it really fun, it sold in record numbers and people really enjoyed it. So, we were asked to come back again and it was a case of why not, it was great.

The table erupts into giggles again. It transpires Jordon weighed 21 stone aged 15, was clinically obese, and had a 46” waist thanks to his fondness for Cola in 2009. He shed the weight when it threatened his dance career.

Katy: Do you think you’ve changed the perception of guys in dance, from what it was pre-Diversity?

Ashley Banjo: I like to think so… I don’t about you guys?

Warren Russell: I feel like it has, because when I was at school, even though I never got hounded for it, it was always like you are the boy that dances. Whereas now in schools a lot more boys are dancing and there’s clubs in schools and things and it’s not like, oh you’re a guy that dances…

Sam Craske: ..It’s become the norm.

The guys all nod in agreement.

Katy: So, back to Robin Hood, what can people expect when they turn up in December to see the panto?

Ashley Banjo: Top quality bants and a very tall, mixed-race Robin Hood. I’ve never played that character in a show before and I feel like there’s loads more speaking and we can have a lot more fun. Because we’ve always brought our dancing, and last year we did a little bit more, but I feel like we’re in full blown panto mode this year, so now we’re going for it…

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